Hi hi!
Just a quick update today!
This week we dropped off a bunch of school supplies and sheets at the Tumaini Street Kids Center (200 notebooks, 200 pens, protractors, calculators, chalk, ect). It was great to be able to donate supplies for those kids and help support a really well run organization. We also visited Budap this week, which is a organization in Bukoba that empowers disabled people by teaching them how to make things like jewelry and drums so they can make a living. We bought some souvenirs and visited the Bukoba museum while we were there. Last night we went back to watch another soccer game at the same restaurant. Go Germany? We cheered for our new friend Fab. We also all learned how to make matoke last night, which are cooked plantains with a bunch of veggies. I peeled 3 plantains in the time it took Zaharan to peel 15. We were so slow that eventually our friends took over and cut up all the veggies for us--so we sort of made it ourselves?
Today we visiting a private hospital to watch some really interesting operations--it was the 5 star hotels of hospitals compared to the Bukoba Hospital! The difference was amazing. The operations were also really cool to watch. After the hospital we stopped to hike and look at some rock paintings that were done allegedly in 300 bc. The views across the plains were absolutely incredible--it made us all so excited for Safari! Tomorrow night we are staying at the Bandas on the beach and Saturday we are going to William's village!
Meaghan--Becca and I are reading Fool Me Twice and having very nice "Dean's Scholars" conversations about them! Pass the word onto Dean Elde that his books have traveled all the way to Africa!
I've had some extra time this week to relax and its been so nice--There's not a whole lot better than drinking smoothies made of fresh fruit while looking at the beautiful African landscape!
I'm getting really excited to see you all when I get back--June 27th will come fast! I also had a dream about a room full of sub sandwiches. Its clearly time for some American food.
xoxo
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Happy Birthday to my big bro! (June 13!)
I don't think I'll be able to blog tomorrow--so I must give an advanced Happy Birthday to my Big Bro! Love you Curt && I miss you like crazy! Keep your phone on you so I can give you a birthday call!
(And the rest of you--make sure to leave him a facebook post or a phone call tomorrow!)
xoxo
(And the rest of you--make sure to leave him a facebook post or a phone call tomorrow!)
xoxo
Me--the Adventurist?
Hey hey!
I have so much to tell you guys! Its been such a great past couple days.
Friday night we went to our friend Rasta's house and he made us dinner--fish, matoke, bananas and avacado! Yum. Saturday we visited Mugeza, which is a village outside of Bukoba. In the morning we went to the Mugeza Deaf orphanage. It was really interesting to watch the kids interact with each other. The teacher introduced us and explained that we were there to visit and that we had six soccer balls to donate. It was really impressive to see the teacher translate from English to Swahili to sign language. We spent the morning warming up with the kids and just playing around with the ball. Some of the younger boys showed us all their gymnast tricks (stunting Brandon!) and it was amazing! They did so many backflips and back handsprings in a row. We got a soccer game organized and didn't do too terribly (with the help of some of the kids, Zaharan and a few other guides)! I couldn't say no & it was definitely worth the re-swollen ankle. (Dont worry guys, I'm resting up for soccer again this Friday) My first soccer game reffed in sign language! I loved hearing all the kids laughing and seeing them have so much fun with the new balls.
After the deaf orphanage we went to the Albino and Disabled orphanage where we cleaned all the dorms. I have to admit, its hard to see any progress cleaning cracked and broken concrete floors, but knowing the cleaning solution was at least doing something was promising. We spent a lot of time with the kids as well, and I was reunited with Edwin!! I think he recognized me right away from my necklace, and he even asked me how I was, a huge change from last weekend when he said nothing to me. He also told me he was "fine, thank you" and then said a lot more in Swahili that I didn't catch. We also gave the albino and disabled orphanage 6 soccer balls and they loved playing with them also. It was definitely a full day worth of happy kids!
Sunday we relaxed on the beach and met a German intern here, who invited us to watch a soccer game at a restaurant with us last night. It was fun pretending (yes, pretending) to be a soccer fan (proud of me, Peter?). Sunday night we also played a pictionary-like game that was really fun-I can't remember the last time I cried so hard from laughing.
Monday was definitely a favorite day for me! Carly--the non-adventurist, climbed through the jungle to a waterfall and crawled through a batcave. I'll specify. By "climbing through the jungle" I literally mean I walked on rocks across a river and held onto tree vines (and anything else that would hold me up) to get to this waterfall--barefoot. The whole time convincing myself that spiders and snakes did not exist in that small stretch of wilderness (which, after seeing the aftermath of two snake bites during rounds at the hospital this morning I'm glad I did this yesterday). It was so great! Right after that we went to this bat cave and crawled through it. Yes, I do mean a bat cave, as in there were multiple bats flying around in the 3 vertical feet I had to maneuver through (my one Ace Ventura moment Dad & Tommy!). Big day for me, considering I'm generally afraid to even take public transportation when I'm at home. Later in the day we went to the baby orphanage. Whats cuter that 15 1 year old little babies around a big plate of rice eating with their hands? Nothing--Grandma, I don't think you could have walked away empty handed. We got to give them all baths and play with them outside after they had lunch.
Also--I found ice cream AND yogurt! HUGE SUCCESS PEOPLE! Not the best of either, but they were delicious considering my lack of dairy here.
I can't believe I leave Bukoba in almost a week. I don't want to leave!! I am really looking forward to the Bandas Friday night and Safari next week! Give me some updates on MN when y'all get a chance!
Miss you all!
Carly
I have so much to tell you guys! Its been such a great past couple days.
Friday night we went to our friend Rasta's house and he made us dinner--fish, matoke, bananas and avacado! Yum. Saturday we visited Mugeza, which is a village outside of Bukoba. In the morning we went to the Mugeza Deaf orphanage. It was really interesting to watch the kids interact with each other. The teacher introduced us and explained that we were there to visit and that we had six soccer balls to donate. It was really impressive to see the teacher translate from English to Swahili to sign language. We spent the morning warming up with the kids and just playing around with the ball. Some of the younger boys showed us all their gymnast tricks (stunting Brandon!) and it was amazing! They did so many backflips and back handsprings in a row. We got a soccer game organized and didn't do too terribly (with the help of some of the kids, Zaharan and a few other guides)! I couldn't say no & it was definitely worth the re-swollen ankle. (Dont worry guys, I'm resting up for soccer again this Friday) My first soccer game reffed in sign language! I loved hearing all the kids laughing and seeing them have so much fun with the new balls.
After the deaf orphanage we went to the Albino and Disabled orphanage where we cleaned all the dorms. I have to admit, its hard to see any progress cleaning cracked and broken concrete floors, but knowing the cleaning solution was at least doing something was promising. We spent a lot of time with the kids as well, and I was reunited with Edwin!! I think he recognized me right away from my necklace, and he even asked me how I was, a huge change from last weekend when he said nothing to me. He also told me he was "fine, thank you" and then said a lot more in Swahili that I didn't catch. We also gave the albino and disabled orphanage 6 soccer balls and they loved playing with them also. It was definitely a full day worth of happy kids!
Sunday we relaxed on the beach and met a German intern here, who invited us to watch a soccer game at a restaurant with us last night. It was fun pretending (yes, pretending) to be a soccer fan (proud of me, Peter?). Sunday night we also played a pictionary-like game that was really fun-I can't remember the last time I cried so hard from laughing.
Monday was definitely a favorite day for me! Carly--the non-adventurist, climbed through the jungle to a waterfall and crawled through a batcave. I'll specify. By "climbing through the jungle" I literally mean I walked on rocks across a river and held onto tree vines (and anything else that would hold me up) to get to this waterfall--barefoot. The whole time convincing myself that spiders and snakes did not exist in that small stretch of wilderness (which, after seeing the aftermath of two snake bites during rounds at the hospital this morning I'm glad I did this yesterday). It was so great! Right after that we went to this bat cave and crawled through it. Yes, I do mean a bat cave, as in there were multiple bats flying around in the 3 vertical feet I had to maneuver through (my one Ace Ventura moment Dad & Tommy!). Big day for me, considering I'm generally afraid to even take public transportation when I'm at home. Later in the day we went to the baby orphanage. Whats cuter that 15 1 year old little babies around a big plate of rice eating with their hands? Nothing--Grandma, I don't think you could have walked away empty handed. We got to give them all baths and play with them outside after they had lunch.
Also--I found ice cream AND yogurt! HUGE SUCCESS PEOPLE! Not the best of either, but they were delicious considering my lack of dairy here.
I can't believe I leave Bukoba in almost a week. I don't want to leave!! I am really looking forward to the Bandas Friday night and Safari next week! Give me some updates on MN when y'all get a chance!
Miss you all!
Carly
Friday, June 8, 2012
Fun Facts from Bukoba
Mambo!
Today we had our last computer class at Bukoba Secondary School. The girls have improved so much and its great to see them using all the computers. We are hoping to meet with the teachers next week to follow up on how the computers can be used for the classes. Yesterday we bought school supplies for Tumaini, which is th e street kids center we visited earlier this week. We basically bought out the whole bookstore and got 200 noteooks, 200 pens, gluesticks, scissors, chalk, calculators and protractors. We are all really excited to go back and deliver the supplies to the kids!
Last night Bahati (who makes us chips mayai and is our guard) brought us a bunny. Apparently he brought it for us as a new pet, so we made it a little cage (out of a cardboard box?). Bahati drops by to bring the bunny food--he doesn't really speak English so its as mystery to all of us how long (and why) we haev the bunny but we named it Miko (which means allergy in Swahili because Kevin is allergic).
We also learned how to dance African style last night at the pub. We all danced with our friends from town and our guides. Its was a great time!
Hope you are all well back home!
Carly
Today we had our last computer class at Bukoba Secondary School. The girls have improved so much and its great to see them using all the computers. We are hoping to meet with the teachers next week to follow up on how the computers can be used for the classes. Yesterday we bought school supplies for Tumaini, which is th e street kids center we visited earlier this week. We basically bought out the whole bookstore and got 200 noteooks, 200 pens, gluesticks, scissors, chalk, calculators and protractors. We are all really excited to go back and deliver the supplies to the kids!
Last night Bahati (who makes us chips mayai and is our guard) brought us a bunny. Apparently he brought it for us as a new pet, so we made it a little cage (out of a cardboard box?). Bahati drops by to bring the bunny food--he doesn't really speak English so its as mystery to all of us how long (and why) we haev the bunny but we named it Miko (which means allergy in Swahili because Kevin is allergic).
We also learned how to dance African style last night at the pub. We all danced with our friends from town and our guides. Its was a great time!
Hope you are all well back home!
Carly
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Hello helloo!
Not too much of an update from the other side of the world but wanted to check in and say hi to everyone! Yesterday and today we have continued our computer classes at the school and the girls are starting to do really well! I went to the hospital again this morning and listed to the morning meeting with all the doctors-its great to get the chance to hear them talk about all the patients and argue over the diagnoses! We also went to a street kids center yesterday and watched the kids sing and dance for us. It was a really well run organization and we are planning on buying school supplies for all the kids to use before we leave. The center, Tumaini, takes kids that have run away from home and gives them housing and counseling. They also reconnect them with their family and resolve the issues that made the kids run away, and then follow up with the family after they have returned. Watching the singing and dancing was so great! Such impressive rhythm. This weekend we are going back to Mugeza. Next weekend we are staying in bandas at the beach one night and in our tour guides village the other night, so I'm getting really excited about that! (Mom--I can literally see the concern on your face right now, don't worry! Our guides will be with us the whole time!).
I rolled my ankle on my run on Wednesday, which has made the half hour walk into town across the hilly & rocky roads slightly painful but the swelling is going down so its all good! I'll be healed up for our soccer match next Friday. And I was coincidentally talking about how I am less clumsy when I run the second I rolled my ankle--typical of me!
A few more interesting things:
I've gotten tongue in my market food twice now. I have not eaten it. Not planning on it.
The big dipper and the moon are both "upside down" on this side of the equator! Obviously, I guess, but surprised me when I saw that.
Traffic laws? Don't exist. Mayhem on the roads.
The food ladies at the market now fight over us. Its hilarious.
We found hot dogs at the food store here!! Huge success. Can't wait for some American food tonight.
We will never stop being Mzungus--the kids never get tired of yelling that at us! And its still cute.
Next week we are doing all sorts of new things so I'm looking forward to updating you all about that then! Possibly won't be back on till Tuesday though.
Love you all!
Carly
Not too much of an update from the other side of the world but wanted to check in and say hi to everyone! Yesterday and today we have continued our computer classes at the school and the girls are starting to do really well! I went to the hospital again this morning and listed to the morning meeting with all the doctors-its great to get the chance to hear them talk about all the patients and argue over the diagnoses! We also went to a street kids center yesterday and watched the kids sing and dance for us. It was a really well run organization and we are planning on buying school supplies for all the kids to use before we leave. The center, Tumaini, takes kids that have run away from home and gives them housing and counseling. They also reconnect them with their family and resolve the issues that made the kids run away, and then follow up with the family after they have returned. Watching the singing and dancing was so great! Such impressive rhythm. This weekend we are going back to Mugeza. Next weekend we are staying in bandas at the beach one night and in our tour guides village the other night, so I'm getting really excited about that! (Mom--I can literally see the concern on your face right now, don't worry! Our guides will be with us the whole time!).
I rolled my ankle on my run on Wednesday, which has made the half hour walk into town across the hilly & rocky roads slightly painful but the swelling is going down so its all good! I'll be healed up for our soccer match next Friday. And I was coincidentally talking about how I am less clumsy when I run the second I rolled my ankle--typical of me!
A few more interesting things:
I've gotten tongue in my market food twice now. I have not eaten it. Not planning on it.
The big dipper and the moon are both "upside down" on this side of the equator! Obviously, I guess, but surprised me when I saw that.
Traffic laws? Don't exist. Mayhem on the roads.
The food ladies at the market now fight over us. Its hilarious.
We found hot dogs at the food store here!! Huge success. Can't wait for some American food tonight.
We will never stop being Mzungus--the kids never get tired of yelling that at us! And its still cute.
Next week we are doing all sorts of new things so I'm looking forward to updating you all about that then! Possibly won't be back on till Tuesday though.
Love you all!
Carly
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Surgery #2 and Lake Victoria!
Hi hi hi!
I just came from the market today, where I had cooked plantains and beans in a tomato sauce (its called Matoke here). Delicious, and so cheap (honestly, $1.00). I also pitted two of the market cooks against one another in price so I got it even cheaper (ha!).
Today I spend the morning at the hospital and got to see another really interesting surgery! It was a cyst removal on the bladder of an 85 year old woman (who, I might add, did not look 85 at all). I was still fascinated to see all the operation. Even just seeing the conditions of the operating room is so interesting, and different. For example, the woman just walked herself right into the OR and didn't get any anesthesia until after they had prepped her (she got an epidural--legitimately the largest needle I have ever seen. After that and the maternity ward, childbirth couldn't seem more unappealing!). The nurse just chatted away with her while I watch the operation. The nurse also answered 3 cell phone calls during the surgery. Totally normal here. Crazy! Its great when the surgeons stop and explain things to us too.
Sunday we spend the day on the beach and yesterday we went to Ntoma, which is where the baby orphanage is. They are really well funded so it was great to see such a well-run orphanage. The babies were of course adorable. I was one of the lucky ones that didn't get peed on (no diapers, so surprise!). After the orphanage we went over to a beach there and went swimming in Lake Victoria! It was great. I'm also getting to know our tour guides and they are so fun. Ashley--love Zaharan!
Thats all for now! I have some lengthy emails to tend to from my momma and my fabulous roommate (who keep me quite updated while I'm gone, I love it!)
Xoxo
Carlyle.
I just came from the market today, where I had cooked plantains and beans in a tomato sauce (its called Matoke here). Delicious, and so cheap (honestly, $1.00). I also pitted two of the market cooks against one another in price so I got it even cheaper (ha!).
Today I spend the morning at the hospital and got to see another really interesting surgery! It was a cyst removal on the bladder of an 85 year old woman (who, I might add, did not look 85 at all). I was still fascinated to see all the operation. Even just seeing the conditions of the operating room is so interesting, and different. For example, the woman just walked herself right into the OR and didn't get any anesthesia until after they had prepped her (she got an epidural--legitimately the largest needle I have ever seen. After that and the maternity ward, childbirth couldn't seem more unappealing!). The nurse just chatted away with her while I watch the operation. The nurse also answered 3 cell phone calls during the surgery. Totally normal here. Crazy! Its great when the surgeons stop and explain things to us too.
Sunday we spend the day on the beach and yesterday we went to Ntoma, which is where the baby orphanage is. They are really well funded so it was great to see such a well-run orphanage. The babies were of course adorable. I was one of the lucky ones that didn't get peed on (no diapers, so surprise!). After the orphanage we went over to a beach there and went swimming in Lake Victoria! It was great. I'm also getting to know our tour guides and they are so fun. Ashley--love Zaharan!
Thats all for now! I have some lengthy emails to tend to from my momma and my fabulous roommate (who keep me quite updated while I'm gone, I love it!)
Xoxo
Carlyle.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Scrubbed up!
Hey guys!!
Its been an exciting past couple days. I scrubbed in for my first surgery yesterday!! And by scrubbed in I mean I literally put on all the scrubs, face mask, gloves and everything (I even helped the surgeon tie up his scrubs--no big deal). It was SO so awesome and I loved every second. I think I've regained my shaken confidence about working in a hospital after the maternity ward. I got to stand right next to the surgeon during the surgery while they performed a hernia repair operation that lasted about 2 hours. I had no idea what I was watching, but I saw a lot of abdominal tissue and the abdominal cavity. It was really great (and I didn't feel queasy at all). I also followed that doctor around the hospital as he did his morning rounds and he explained a lot to us. I'm so excited I got to have the chance to be in the OR!
Today we went to Mugeza, which is the albino and disabled orphanage. Last night we prepared all the suncreen bottles by writing directions on them in Swahili and put together all the clothes. We showed them how to use the suncreen today and we distributed the clothes. The kids were all in great spirits, but it was still a really sad place. Most of the albinos have families at home but can't live there as it is too dangerous for them due to believes about albinos and witchcraft. They are too persecuted at home so they stay at this orphanage. So many of them have terrible burns and really dry & cracked skin. They sleep in small rooms with so many bunk beds--generally about 40 kids in one dorm with about 30 beds. The rest of the kids are disabled. Despite their conditions, they were all happy and played with us for the morning. I befriended a young blind boy named Edwin. I saw him alone in the back of the classroom and gave him a tshirt. When I noticed him trying to walk around by himself after I picked him up, helped him with the candy we all gave him and held him for the next 2 hours we were there. He loved playing with my necklace and my backpack. It was hard to leave him! I wanted to take him home with me. It was great to just give all the kids attention there.
Outside of the projects we have been having a really great time with the group. I've taught everyone how to "Shake It Out" (thank you Kristen)--needless to say we're having a lot of fun. We've even made some interesting dinners that have been less tasty than just comical. Its hard to cook here!
Love you all :)
Its been an exciting past couple days. I scrubbed in for my first surgery yesterday!! And by scrubbed in I mean I literally put on all the scrubs, face mask, gloves and everything (I even helped the surgeon tie up his scrubs--no big deal). It was SO so awesome and I loved every second. I think I've regained my shaken confidence about working in a hospital after the maternity ward. I got to stand right next to the surgeon during the surgery while they performed a hernia repair operation that lasted about 2 hours. I had no idea what I was watching, but I saw a lot of abdominal tissue and the abdominal cavity. It was really great (and I didn't feel queasy at all). I also followed that doctor around the hospital as he did his morning rounds and he explained a lot to us. I'm so excited I got to have the chance to be in the OR!
Today we went to Mugeza, which is the albino and disabled orphanage. Last night we prepared all the suncreen bottles by writing directions on them in Swahili and put together all the clothes. We showed them how to use the suncreen today and we distributed the clothes. The kids were all in great spirits, but it was still a really sad place. Most of the albinos have families at home but can't live there as it is too dangerous for them due to believes about albinos and witchcraft. They are too persecuted at home so they stay at this orphanage. So many of them have terrible burns and really dry & cracked skin. They sleep in small rooms with so many bunk beds--generally about 40 kids in one dorm with about 30 beds. The rest of the kids are disabled. Despite their conditions, they were all happy and played with us for the morning. I befriended a young blind boy named Edwin. I saw him alone in the back of the classroom and gave him a tshirt. When I noticed him trying to walk around by himself after I picked him up, helped him with the candy we all gave him and held him for the next 2 hours we were there. He loved playing with my necklace and my backpack. It was hard to leave him! I wanted to take him home with me. It was great to just give all the kids attention there.
Outside of the projects we have been having a really great time with the group. I've taught everyone how to "Shake It Out" (thank you Kristen)--needless to say we're having a lot of fun. We've even made some interesting dinners that have been less tasty than just comical. Its hard to cook here!
Love you all :)
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